Method and System of Enhancing Ganglion Cell Function to Improve Physical Performance

ABSTRACT

A method and a system of enhancing ganglion cell function using a gaming environment corresponding to a physical activity. The method and system may be used to implement one or more processes to improve a person&#39;s visual processing profile. In particular, the method and system may be used to improve a player&#39;s skill in the corresponding physical activity.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/353,941 (Now U.S. Pat. No. 8,251,508), filed Jan. 14, 2009, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/020,953,filed Jan. 14, 2008, each of which is hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following disclosure relates to a system and method of developing avisual processing profile based on a retino-geniculo-cortical pathway.

BACKGROUND

The structures of the human eye transmit an image to the retina based onphotons absorbed from the visual field. The retina contains fivedifferent cell types, organized in laminar fashion. At the back of theretina, furthest from the cornea, are a plurality of photoreceptors thatconvert light into electrochemical signals. Photoreceptors exist in twovarieties: rod photoreceptors and cone photoreceptors. Rodphotoreceptors have a long, cylindrically shaped outer segment withmembranous disks that are stacked with photopigment. Cone cells have ashorter, more tapered outer segment with fewer membranous disks. Therods are much more sensitive to light than cones and mediate most visionat night or in low light. In contrast, the cones are differentiallysensitive to varying wavelengths, and mediate color vision.

The electrochemical signals are relayed from the photoreceptors throughthe bipolar cells to the ganglion cells. The ganglion cells gatherinformation and send it to the brain through the optic nerve. Theinnermost layer is the ganglion cell layer, which is the location of theganglion cell bodies. The inner nuclear layer contains the cell bodiesof the bipolar, amacrine and horizontal cells and the outer nuclearlayer contains the cell bodies of the photoreceptors. The innerplexiform layer contains the connections between the bipolar, amacrineand ganglion cells. The outer plexiform layer contains the connectionsbetween the photoreceptors, horizontal cells and bipolar cells. Theouter segments of the photoreceptor cells border on the pigmentedepithelium, which absorbs excess light at the back of the retina.

Just like the rods and cones, whose structure and function are orientedentirely toward converting light energy into nerve impulses, every othertype of cell in the retina is located and connected to perform someinitial step in the processing of visual information.

While the other neurons in the retina emit only graduated electricalpotentials, the ganglion cells are the only ones that send out neuralsignals in the form of action potentials. When it is considered that itis the ganglion cells' axons that form the optic nerve and therebytransmit information from the retina over large distances, thesignificance of the generation of action potentials in these cellsbecomes apparent. These potentials are generated spontaneously; and itis the frequency at which they are discharged that is increased ordecreased by the appearance of light in these cells' receptive fields.

Though most ganglion cells have either ON-centre OFF-surround receptivefields or the reverse, there are other criteria that define othercategories. On the basis of overall appearance, neural connections, andelectrophysiological traits, at least three such categories of ganglioncells have been distinguished in retinas. However it is believed that atleast eighteen different categories of ganglion cells exist in a humanretina.

Intermediate cells such as bipolar cells, amacrine cells and horizontalcells convey the information received by the photoreceptors to neuronscalled ganglion cells. The human eye contains about 1.2 to 1.5 millionretinal ganglion cells. As discussed above, there are three major types(subtypes) or categories of ganglion cells classified by their structureand function. These cells, the magnocellular cells (m-cells),parvocellular cells (p-cells) and koniocellular cells (k-cells) eachhaving a unique role in visual processing.

The small parvocellular (or “p-cells”) ganglion cells (from the Latinparvus, meaning “small”) represent about 90% of the total population ofganglion cells. Large magnocellular (or “m-type”) ganglion cells (fromthe Latin magnus, meaning “large”) account for about 5%. Non-m, non-pganglion cells, which have not yet been well characterized, account forthe remaining 5%. These non-m, non-p cells include k-cells.

M-cells receive signals from a large number of photoreceptor cells. Theyhave fast conduction velocities resulting in quick propagation of nerveimpulses over a relatively large receptive field. The m-cells processimages with low spatial resolution, but a fast temporal resolution.Furthermore, the m-cells demonstrate association with regions of thebrain responsible for motion perception. Although these cells aresensitive to contrast stimulus, they show only weak response tochromatic input.

In contrast, the p-cells are responsible for the processing andvisualization of color stimulus. They are generally involved inprocessing images at a lower conduction velocity and have a smallerreceptive field responding to a small number of photoreceptor cells.Particularly, the p-cells show red-green color opponency havingresponses consistent with the interaction betweenmedium-wavelength-sensitive (M or “green”) and long-wavelength-sensitive(L or “red”) photoreceptor cone cells. The p-cells show sustainedresponse to stimuli and, opposite the m-cells, process images with highspatial resolution and slowed temporal resolution. The p-cells showassociation with areas of the brain relating to visual acuity and colorperception.

The most commonly accepted theory is that m-cells are particularlyinvolved in detecting movement in a stimulus, whereas p-cells, withtheir small receptive fields, would be more sensitive to its shape anddetails.

Cells belonging to the koniocellular ganglion pathway have a largevisual field and show blue-yellow color opponency. K-cells showresponses consistent with excitation from the short-wavelength-sensitive(S or “blue”) and opponent input from a mixture of M and L cones. These“blue-on” cells are thought to derive opponent cone inputs throughdepolarizing and hyperpolarizing pathways.

Another distinction is essential for color detection: most p-cells andsome non-m non-p cells are sensitive to differences in the wavelengthsof light. Most p-cells are in fact “single color opponent cells,” whichmeans that the response to a given wavelength at the centre of theirreceptive fields is inhibited by the response to another wavelength inthe surround. In the case of a cell with a red ON-centre and a greenOFF-surround, red cones occupy the centre of the field and green conesoccupy the surround. The same thing goes for cells with blue-yellowopposition, in which blue cones are opposed to red and green ones. TypeM ganglion cells do not have any color opposition, simply because boththe centre and the surround simultaneously receive information from morethan one type of cone. Also, there are no m-cells in the fovea, whichconfirms that these cells do not play a role in processing color.

Various methods for determining the function of specific retinalganglion cell types are known in the art. Current diagnostic tools andmethods center on comparison of an individual to population norms toidentify disease processes and stabilizing visual acuity based on thesenorms as well as coordination and timing of vision with bodilymovements. However, these diagnostics and methods fail to address thevisual processing of an individual as a ratio of retinal ganglion cellfunction. Furthermore, a correlation between the ratio or level ofretinal ganglion function and high visual performance has not beenthoroughly explained. Thus, there is a need in the art to determine andalter the ratio of function in the various retinal ganglion cells.

SUMMARY

In a game embodiment corresponding to a physical activity, such asbaseball, a system may be used to implement one or more of the describedprocesses to improve a person's visual processing profile. Inparticular, the game embodiment may be used to improve a player's skillin the corresponding physical activity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of one example of a network and network devices;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of one example of a general computing device thatmay operate in accordance with the claims;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are two parts of a flowchart describing a method of oneexample of developing a visual processing profile;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart describing another exemplary method of developinga visual processing profile;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart describing a method of one example of enhancing aretino-geniculo-cortical pathway for a particular activity;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart describing another exemplary method of enhancing aretino-geniculo-cortical pathway for a particular activity; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart describing another exemplary method of enhancing aretino-geniculo-cortical pathway for a particular activity.

FIG. 8 illustrates an overview display of a baseball gaming embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a screen display from a perspective of abatter/player;

FIG. 10 illustrates a display of a batter's view with a first field ofview of constant intensity and color;

FIG. 11 illustrates a screen shot of a ball pitched towards the batteror player within a first field of view;

FIG. 12 illustrates display of a baseball traveling through a batter'sstrike zone with the batter initiating a swing of the bat;

FIG. 13 illustrates a process of adjusting luminance of a pitched ball;

FIG. 14 illustrates parameters that may be used to adjust the display ofa pitched ball;

FIG. 15 illustrates a configuration screen for an intermediate playerlevel;

FIG. 16 illustrates a process of adjusting luminance for an intermediateplayer level;

FIG. 17 illustrates a configuration screen for an advanced player level;

FIG. 18 illustrates a process of adjusting luminance for an advancedplayer level;

FIG. 19 illustrates an integrated ball display embodiment; and

FIG. 20 illustrates a physical gaming embodiment in which the integratedball display object of FIG. 19 is launched at a player from a screenrepresenting a first field of view having constant intensity and color.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes a method of improving a visualprocessing profile for a person. The method may be performed on a singlesystem that incorporates a number of separate components or on adistributed system which separates a portion of the measuring,computing, and storing components across a network. One example of sucha network is described below.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a network typical of the World WideWeb. A network 10 may be a virtual private network (VPN), or any othernetwork that allows one or more computers, communication devices,databases, etc., to be communicatively connected to each other. Thenetwork 10 may be connected to a PC 12 and a computer terminal andmonitor 14 via an Ethernet 16 and a router 20, and a land line 22. Thenetwork 10 may also be wirelessly connected to a laptop computer 24 anda personal data assistant 26 via a wireless communication station 30 anda wireless link 32. Similarly, a server 34 may be connected to thenetwork 10 using a communication link 36.

Also, an activity input device 40 for measuring motion associated withphysical activity of a user and a headset 41 for generating imagesand/or sounds for the user may be connected to the network 10 usinganother communication link 42. These components may alternatively becoupled to the network 10 via the wireless communication station 30 andthe wireless link 32. Where the network 10 includes the Internet, datacommunication may take place over the network 10 via an Internetcommunication protocol. In operation, the client PC 12 may view orrequest data from any other computing device connected to the network10. Further, the PC 12 may send data to any other computing deviceconnected to the network 10. It is noted that each of the componentslisted above may be general purpose components or specially designedcomponents for developing a visual processing profile for a person andenhancing a retino-geniculo-cortical pathway for the person.

FIG. 2 illustrates a typical computing device 50 that may be connectedto the network 10 of FIG. 1 and participate in a measuring and computingenvironment such as the World Wide Web. FIG. 2 may also be an example ofan appropriate computing system on which the claimed apparatus andclaims may be implemented, however, FIG. 2 is only one example of asuitable computing system and is not intended to limit the scope orfunction of any claim. Other non-computing systems could also be used asthose of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate. The claims areoperational with many other general or special purpose computing devicessuch as PCs 12, server computers 34, portable computing devices such asa laptop 24, consumer electronics 26, wired and wireless activity inputdevices 40, wired and wireless head gear 41, mainframe computers, ordistributed computing environments that include any of the above orsimilar systems or devices.

With reference to FIG. 2, a system for implementing the steps of theclaimed apparatus may include several general computing devices in theform of a computer 50. The computer 50 may include a processing unit,51, a system memory, 52, and a system bus 54 that couples various systemcomponents including the system memory 52 to the processing unit 51. Thesystem bus 54 may include an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, aMicro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, VideoElectronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, a PeripheralComponent Interconnect (PCI) bus or a Mezzanine bus, and the PeripheralComponent Interconnect Express (PCI-E) bus.

The computer 50 may include an assortment of computer-readable media.Computer-readable media may be any media that may be accessed by thecomputer 50. By way of example, and not limitation, the media mayinclude both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removablemedia. Media may also include computer storage media and communicationmedia. Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile,removable and non-removable media that stores information such ascomputer-readable instructions, program modules, data structures, orother data. Computer-storage media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, orother memory technology, optical storage disks, magnetic storagedevices, and any other medium which may be used to storecomputer-accessible information. Communication media may becomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, orother data in a modulated data signal or other transport mechanism.Communication media may include wired media such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, and wireless media such as RF, infrared, andother wireless media.

The system memory 52 may include storage media in the form of volatileand/or non-volatile memory such as ROM 56 and RAM 62. A basicinput/output system 60 (BIOS), containing algorithms to transferinformation between components within the computer 50, may be stored inROM 56. Data or program modules that are immediately accessible or arepresently in use by the processing unit 51 may be stored in RAM 62. Datanormally stored in RAM while the computer 50 is in operation may includean operating system 64, application programs 66, program modules 70, andprogram data 72.

The computer 50 may also include other storage media such as a hard diskdrive 76 that may read from or write to non-removable, non-volatilemagnetic media, a magnetic disk drive 251 that reads from or writes to aremovable, non-volatile magnetic disk 94, and an optical disk drive 96that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile optical disk 100.Other storage media that may be used includes magnetic tape cassettes,flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, digital video tape, solidstate RAM, and solid state ROM. The hard disk drive 76 may be connectedto the system bus 54 through a non-removable memory interface such asinterface 74. A magnetic disk drive 92 and optical disk drive 96 may beconnected to the system bus 54 by a removable memory interface, such asinterface 90.

The disk drives 92, 96 transfer computer-readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, and other data for the computer 50 todifferent storage media 94, 100 for storage. A hard disk drive 76 maystore an operating system 64, application programs 66, other programmodules 70, and program data 72. These components may be the same ordifferent from operating system 64, application programs 66, otherprogram modules 70 and program data 72. The components associated withthe hard disk drive 76 may be different copies than those associatedwith RAM 62.

The user may interact with the computer 50 through input devices such asa keyboard 106, a pointing device 104 (i.e., a mouse), an activity inputdevice 40, or head gear 41. A user input interface 102 may be coupled tothe system bus 54 to allow the input devices to communicate with theprocessing unit 51. A display device such as a monitor 122 may also beconnected to the system bus 54 via a video interface 120.

The computer 50 may operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computers 114. The remote computer 114may be a PC 12, a server 34, a router 20, or other common network nodeas illustrated in FIG. 1. The remote computer 114 typically includesmany or all of the previously-described elements regarding the computer50, even though only a memory storage device 116 is illustrated in FIG.2. Logical connections between the computer 50 and one or more remotecomputers 114 may include a wide area network (WAN) 112. A typical WANis the Internet. When used in a WAN, the computer 50 may include a modem110 or other means for establishing communications over the WAN. Themodem 110 may be connected to the system bus 54 via the user inputinterface 102, or other mechanism. In a networked environment, programmodules depicted relative to the computer 50, may be stored in theremote memory storage device 116. By way of example, and not limitation,FIG. 2 illustrates website data and remote application programs 124 asresiding on the memory device 116. As may be appreciated, other means ofestablishing a communications link between the computer 50 and theremote computer 114 may be used.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a system and method foraltering vision are provided. In particular, the disclosure relates to asystem and method of stimulating the retinal ganglion pathways, therebyinfluencing visual processing and the overall retino-geniculo-corticalpathway. The level and/or type of stimulation may be adjusted accordingto the visual profile of the individual.

A level of function in retinal ganglion cell types may be assessed todetermine a visual processing profile and to identify a need foralteration in one or more subtype of ganglion cells. Generally, threetypes of major retinal ganglion subtypes are evaluated in the assessmentstep. Such retinal ganglion cell types may include m-cells, p-cells andk-cells cells. However, fewer or greater types of retinal ganglionsubtypes may be evaluated such as, for example, m-cells and non m-cells.The assessment of a functional level in any one of the retinal ganglioncell types is useful in the determination of visual stimulus.

The visual processing profile may be determined using a number ofmethods known in the art. In certain aspects, the visual profile mayinclude a level of function of the retinal-geniculo-cortical pathway,and in particular, the retinal ganglion cells. Such levels may be basedon criteria such as the conduction velocity of the retinal cells. Anumber of methods known in the art may be used in the determination ofretinal ganglion function. For example, steady-state patternelectroretinogram (PERG), optical coherence tomography (OCT), visualfunction-specific field tests, frequency doubling technology (FDT),Snellen test, contrast sensitivity testing, high-pass resolutionperimetry (HRP), short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) andvisually evoked potentials (VEP), and multi-focal visually evokedpotentials (EVEP) are among the various method useful in assessingvisual function associated with the retinal ganglion subtypes.Furthermore, retinal ganglion cell function may be determined by anymeans developed to stress the specific visual functions associated witheach ganglion subtype as described above.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are two parts of an exemplary method 200 of developing avisual processing profile for a person. The method 200 may begin bydisplaying a first filtered visual stimulus to a first portion of theperson's field of view using a neutral density filter (block 202). Thevisual stimulus could thus be displayed to various portions of theperson's field of view, such as, for example, a central portion or aperipheral portion; or within one of those portions, a superior portion,a nasal portion, an inferior portion, a temporal portion, or the entirevisual field, etc. The method 200 may then allow the person to respondto the first filtered visual stimulus (block 204). The method may thenmeasure the person's response to the first filtered visual stimulus inthe first portion of the person's field of view (block 206).

The method 200 may then display a second filtered visual stimulus to asecond portion of the person's field of view (block 210) and allow theperson to respond to the second filtered visual stimulus (block 212).The method may then measure the person's response to the second filteredvisual stimulus in the peripheral portion of the person's field of view(block 214). The method 200 may then display a third filtered visualstimulus to the first portion of the field of view using a second,darker neutral density filter (block 216) and then allow the person torespond to the third filtered visual stimulus (block 220). The methodmay also include measuring the person's response to the third filteredvisual stimulus in the first portion of the person's field of view(block 222).

After measuring the person's response to the third filtered visualstimulus, the method 200 may display a fourth filtered visual stimulusto the second portion of the person's field of view using the second,darker neutral density filter (block 224) and allow the person torespond to the fourth filtered visual stimulus (block 226). The method200 may then measure the person's response to the fourth filtered visualstimulus in the second portion of the person's field of view (block230).

Continuing to FIG. 3B, the method 200 may determine the level of retinalganglion function of the plurality of magnocellular cells based on atleast the person's measured responses to at least the first, second,third, and a fourth filtered visual stimuli (block 232) and determinethe level of retinal ganglion function for the plurality ofnon-magnocellular cells (block 234). This could include the person'sp-cells and k-cells, as well as any other subtypes of ganglion cells.

The method 200 may then determined the visual processing profile for theperson based on a ratio of the determined levels of retinal ganglionfunction for at least the plurality of magnocellular cells and theplurality of non-magnocellular cells (blocked 236). The determinedvisual processing profile for the person may then be compared to apredetermined visual processing profile to determine a variance from apredetermined visual processing profile (block 240).

The predetermined visual processing profile may correspond to a personhighly skilled in a particular physical activity based on a ratio ofdetermined levels of retinal ganglion function for at least a first andsecond retinal ganglion subtypes for the person highly skilled in theparticular physical activity. The highly skilled person could be, forexample, a professional baseball player, a professional basketballplayer, a professional football player, a professional tennis player, aprofessional golfer, a professional race car driver, or other athletes.The predetermined visual processing profile may be calculated byaccumulating visual processing profiles for a plurality of people, whichcould include a plurality of professionals within a professional sportand possibly within professionals having similar positions within thespecific professional sport. For example, predetermined visualprocessing profiles could be created for professional baseball playersin separate categories for batting and fielding. This could also be donefor other sports where there are substantial differences betweenoffensive and defensive activities.

It should also be noted that the method 200 could alternatively displayvisual stimuli to other parts of the person's field of view in additionto those described above, or in place of those described above. Forexample, the method could also display and measure stimuli in a thirdportion of the person's field of view. It is also possible at the method200 could incorporate the use of additional neutral density filters tofurther increase the accuracy of the visual processing profile developedfor the person. Alternatively, fewer neutral density filters could beused to determine the person's visual processing profile, or even acompletely different technology could be used to measure the levels ofretinal ganglion function of the retinal ganglion subtypes whendetermining the visual processing profile. One example is discussedimmediately below.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary flowchart of an alternative method 300 ofdeveloping a visual processing profile. The method 300 may begin bydisplaying a first filtered visual stimulus to a first portion of afield of view of at least one of the person's eyes (block 302) and allowthe person to respond to the filtered visual stimulus (block 304). Themethod may then measure a person's response to the first filtered visualstimulus in the first portion of the person's field of view (block 306),display a second filtered visual stimulus to a second portion of thefield of view of the at least one of the person's eyes (block 310), andallow the person to respond to the second filtered visual stimulus(block 312).

The method 300 may then measure the person's response to at least thesecond filtered visual stimulus in at least the second portion of theperson's field of view (block 314) and determine a level of retinalganglion function of at least a first retinal ganglion subtype for theperson based on at least the person's measured response to the firstfiltered visual stimulus and the person's measured response to thesecond filtered visual stimulus (block 316). The method may thendetermined a level of retinal ganglion function for at least a secondretinal ganglion subtype (block 320) and determine the visual processingprofile for the person based on at least the determined levels ofretinal ganglion function for at least the first and second retinalganglion subtypes (block 322).

The determination of a visual profile based on levels of performance maybe useful as a diagnostic tool in assessing ability to perform as wellas the modification necessary to increase performance. Thus, visualprocessing profiles could be used, for example, in a career counseling,in assisting patients with health related problems, and identifyingpeople with particular genetic aptitudes (those with eyes havingretino-geniculo-cortical pathways capable of providing a competitiveadvantage), in drafting professional athletes, etc.

In a study performed by testing the visual acuity of athletes withvarying performance levels, an association between athletic performanceand visual processing associated with particular retinal ganglion cellstypes was shown. The study focused on baseball players having varyingbatting averages (BA) and assists. Table 1 shows the results of thestudy. Visual processing in individuals was measured using the FDTtechniques to detect m-cell function. As described in Table 1 below,athletes having an increased batting average showed depression of m-cellfunction in central middle and peripheral visual fields which isinterpreted as an increase in p and k cell function. On the other hand,athletes having lower batting averages showed varying m-cell function inthe visual fields. Furthermore, players having higher assists (betterfielders) showed increased m-cell function. Neutral density filters wereutilized having 0.3 and 0.6 filter densities.

TABLE 1 Association Between Batting Statistic and Visual Field Acuity inBaseball Players 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.6 0.6 0.6 Filter Filter Filter FilterFilter Filter Batting Peripheral Center Middle Peripheral Center MiddlePlayer Average Assist Boxes Boxes Circle Boxes Boxes Circle 1 0.352 7418 12 0 35 39 20 2 0.000 0 11 6 10 12 6 10 3 0.316 0 0 0 0 11 0 0 40.342 72 8 3 0 16 12 5 5 0.000 0 2 0 5 5 3 0 6 0.288 155 0 0 0 1 0 0 70.326 139 13 3 10 25 12 5 8 0.285 125 0 0 0 2 0 0

Comparison of the visual profile to the predetermined visual profileprovides a level of variance in retinal ganglion subtype cell function.As discussed below, the measured variance may be addressed by creatingor generating a visual stimulus to increase or decrease retinal ganglionfunction, thereby diminishing the variance.

In one instance, a visual profile may be used to address aberrant visualfunction. The determination of aberrant function may be based on anumber of indicia relating to the specific type of visual processingdesired by or lacking in an individual. In one example, aberrantfunction is determined by comparing the level of retinal ganglionfunction measured to a predetermined level of function.

Once a visual profile is assessed, a visual stimulus is designed toalter processing in at least one retinal ganglion cell type. A means fordetermining stimulus in response to the level of visual functionsassociated with at least one cell type may be devised. As will bedescribed in detail below, a visual stimulus may be designed toactivate, reduce or terminate function in a particular retinal ganglioncell type based on its associated visual function. Such visual stimulusmay be focused to affect conduction velocity, receptive fields,electrical potential rates in other retinal neurons, and actionpotential rates in retinal ganglion cells. By providing a stimulus thataffects the retino-geniculo-cortical pathways in response to the levelof function, visual acuity may be altered.

Generally, the visual stimulus is provided to an individual in need ofvisual modification. The visual stimulus is provided by various meansincluding, but not limited to, computer games, video games, board games,software tools, or other physical objects. In certain embodiments, thevisual stimulus is stored and/or displayed in a variety of means knownin the art where a user may access the stimulus.

In some embodiments, a visual stimulus is determined to modify functionin at least one type of retinal ganglion cell based on the functionassociated with the cell type. For example, the p-cell and/or k-cellpathways may be stimulated based on association with color sensitivity.As described above, p-cells and k-cells are associated with thered-green and yellow-blue color opponencies, respectively. Thus, a meansis provided for determining and/or altering the ratio of p and k-cellfunction based on stimulation of color opponency pathways.

P-cells mediate red-green color vision via detection of a difference inL and M cone cells. Thus, a red-green system is created to address a lowratio of p-cell function in an individual. In one example, a redstimulus is presented on a green background, or vice versa, andpresented to an individual to increase the ratio of p-cell function.Similarly, a blue-yellow system is created to modify the ratio of k-cellfunction.

Such systems were tested to determine efficacy in altering visualprocessing in individuals. Table 2 below shows the differences betweenretinal ganglion function before and after such stimulus was presentedto the individuals. The Tbase mean batting average was determined byassessing visual processing in ten individuals prior to stimulation.Subsequently, those individuals were exposed to stimulation inaccordance with the present invention for a time interval of sevenminutes. After seven minutes elapsed, the Tseven mean batting averagewas calculated by assessing visual processing in the ten individualsfollowing stimulation. The statistical significance of the alteration invisual processing following seven minutes of stimulation is shown inTable 3 below, which means that the statistical significance in theimproved batting averages was obtained with a P value of less than 0.01(0.006 actual) confidence level of 99%.

TABLE 2 Paired Samples Statistics Std. Error Mean N Std. Deviation MeanTbase .6300 10 .16700 .05281 Tseven .770 10 .15129 .04784

TABLE 3 Association Between Stimulus and Improvement in VisualProcessing Paired Samples Test Paired Differences 95% Confidence Std.Interval of the Std. Error Difference Sig. Mean Deviation Mean LowerUpper t df (2-tailed) Pair 1 −.14000 .12428 .03930 −.22890 −.05110−3.562 9 .006 Tbase - Tseven

Thus, providing a stimulus in accordance with the present disclosurecauses a significant alteration in visual processing. In certainaspects, the stimulus color combines with the background colorprogressively in response to successful visual performance.

M-cells do not show association with chromatic stimulus, thus, anachromatic system of stimulus may be used to determine and modify theratio of functioning m-cells. The methods and systems of the presentdisclosure are useful in determination and alteration of retinalganglion function in adults and children.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary flowchart 500 of enhancing aretino-geniculo-cortical pathway for a particular activity. The method500 may begin by displaying to a user a substantially constant field ofview at a first color (i.e. wavelength) and a first intensity (block502) and present to the user a second stimulus within the substantiallyconstant field of view, wherein the second stimulus is either adifferent color from the first color, a different intensity from thefirst intensity, or both (block 504). The second stimulus may model amovement of an object toward or away from a user. The method may alsoinclude allowing the user to respond to the second stimulus (block 506),measuring the user's response to the second stimulus (block 510), andchanging either the substantially constant field of view, the secondstimulus, or both, in response to the measurement (block 512). Themethod may change the second stimulus by either decreasing or increasingthe intensity of the second stimulus, or by changing the color of thesecond stimulus, or both. It is possible that the change to either theconstant field of view, the second stimulus, or both, may be performedin real time in response to the measurements.

The method 500 may then repeat the process over a period of time toincrease the visual processing within the user'sretino-geniculo-cortical pathway (block 514). This process may berepeated for about five to ten minutes, or for approximately sevenminutes. However, alternative lengths of time may be used within aparticular system. The method may then compare the user's visualprocessing profile to a predetermined visual processing profile todetermine a variance from the predetermined visual processing profile,and select the color of the substantially constant field of view and thecolor of the second stimulus to address the determined variance (block516).

The color of the substantially constant field of view and the color ofthe second stimulus may be selected based on a visual processing profilepreviously determined for the user. In other words, the color of thesubstantially constant field of view and the color of the secondstimulus may be selected based on a ratio of levels of retinal ganglionfunction for a plurality of magnocellular cells and a plurality ofnon-magnocellular cells. Thus, increasing the visual processing withinthe user's retino-geniculo-cortical pathway involves increasing theuser's visual processing in at least one subtype of the user's retinalganglion cells.

While not shown in FIG. 5, the method of 500 may include varying thedegree of changes based on the measured responses. For example, theintensity of the second stimulus may be decreased at a greater rate ifthe user's measured responses are exceedingly accurate. Likewise, theintensity of the second stimulus may be decreased at a slower rate, oreven increased, if the user's measured responses become worse (i.e., theuser fails to see the second stimulus or fails to see the secondstimulus in time to generate an appropriate response).

The method of 500 may also adjust the presentation to the user of thesecond stimulus by adjusting the position of the second stimulus withinthe substantially constant field of view. This adjustment may beperformed automatically based on a specific enhancement identified bythe user. For example, the user could indicate that he wishes to work onand enhance a specific area of ganglion cells by repeatedly respondingto retino-geniculo-cortical pathway stimulation in a specific quadrantof the user's field of view.

After repeating the process over a period of time, the user may thenperform the actual physical activity within a set period time, and willlikely see a marked improvement in his or her performance.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary alternative flowchart 600 of enhancing aretino-geniculo-cortical pathway for a particular activity. The method600 may begin by displaying to a user a substantially constant field ofview at a first color (i.e. wavelength) and a first intensity (block602) and present to the user a second stimulus within the substantiallyconstant field of view, wherein the second stimulus is either adifferent color from the first color, a different intensity from thefirst intensity, a modified frequency of display (i.e., flicker ormotion), or a combination (block 604). The method may also includeallowing the user to respond to the second stimulus (block 606) andmeasuring the user's response to the second stimulus (block 610).

The method 600 may then repeat the process over a period of time toincrease the visual processing within the user'sretino-geniculo-cortical pathway (block 614). Thereafter, the user maythen perform the actual physical activity within a set period time.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart 700 illustrating another exemplary methodof enhancing a retino-geniculo-cortical pathway for a particularactivity. The method 700 may begin by comparing a user's visualprocessing profile to a predetermined visual processing profile todetermine a variance from the predetermined visual processing profile(block 702) and selecting a color of a substantially constant field ofview and a color of a second stimulus to address the determined variance(block 704). The method may then display to the user to substantiallyconstant field of view at the first color and a first intensity (block706) and present to the user the second stimulus within thesubstantially constant field of view, wherein the second stimulus iseither a different color from the first color, a different intensityfrom the first intensity, or both, and wherein the second stimulusmodels a movement of an object toward or away from the user (block 710).

The method 700 may then allow the user to respond to the second stimulus(block 712), measure the user's response to the second stimulus (block714), decrease in real-time the intensity of the second stimulus andresponse to the measurement (block 716), and repeat the process over aperiod of time to increase the visual processing within the user'sretino-geniculo-cortical pathway (block 720).

The disclosure is based on determination and alteration of visualprofiles based on levels of retinal ganglion cell function. Thedisclosed methods are designed to stimulate visual pathways associatedwith one or more specific retinal ganglion cell types, thereby alteringthe ratio of function in these retinal ganglion cell types. Thus, thedisclosed methods may be used to diagnose, develop and alter visualprofiles based on the function of at least one type of retinal ganglioncell.

Baseball Gaming Environment

FIG. 8 illustrates an overview screen of a gaming embodiment forimproving a player's visual processing profile using a game of baseball.The gaming embodiment may be implemented on a computing system such asthe one described in FIGS. 1-3. The principles described above may beimplemented using the illustrated gaming embodiment to improve aplayer's skill in hitting a baseball. It should be noted that while abaseball game embodiment is described in detail below, the processdescribed may be applicable to other fielding activities such as, forexample, football, hockey, tennis, golf, soccer, etc.

Generally, FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of a baseball field 800 where apitcher 802 is shown on a pitcher's mound 804, and a batter 806 issituated at a home plate 808. During game play, a screen shot from aperspective of the batter 806 may be shown, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Inthis game, a player in the game embodiment may step into the role of abatter 806. While a clear view to the pitcher is illustrated in FIG. 9,during game play a substantially constant first field of view 1001 at afirst color and a first intensity may be displayed in at least a portionof the batter's view, as illustrated in FIG. 10. In at least oneembodiment, the first color of the first field of view 1001 may begreen. In at least one embodiment, the first field of view 1001 may bepositioned such that it covers a batter's view of a strike zone. Thesize of the first field of view may be set or adjusted based on anestimated distance that the player's eyes are from the display. Asillustrated in FIG. 10, a view of the pitcher may be partially obscureddepending on the intensity (e.g., luminance) or color of the first field1001.

In operation, the game embodiment may display the pitcher 802 launchingor throwing a pitch towards home plate 808, where the path of thepitched ball is at least partly within the substantially constant firstfield of view 1001. FIG. 11 illustrates a screen shot of a ball 1003pitched towards the batter or player. In this manner, the ball 1003 mayrepresent a second stimulus within the substantially constant firstfield of view 1001, where the ball 1003 is either a different color fromthe first field of view 1001 (e.g., white with black inseams) and/or adifferent intensity from the first field of view 1001.

In at least one embodiment, the distance, time, and path traveled by thepitched ball may correspond to a typical pitch between home plate and apitcher's mound in a particular league of baseball. For example, in atleast one embodiment, the game may simulate the actual time for the ballto travel 60.5 feet at various pitch speeds and use real world observedreactions times to compute a reaction window for the player. This realworld behavior may be incorporated into the game to correspond to thetime the batter has to see the pitch, to register the pitch, and then toformulate a physical reaction. The real reaction time could also beencompassed into other sports, such as, for example, a quarterback'sthree step drop.

In at least one embodiment, the game may allow a player to react to thesecond stimulus using a user interface, such as a computer keyboard ormouse. In operation, the game embodiment may allow the player, acting asbatter, to provide an input (e.g., using a computer keyboard) toinitiate a swing of the batter's bat. For example, the player may pressa key (e.g., a space bar) to initiate the swing of the bat. In oneembodiment, the rate, velocity, angle and/or path of the batter's swingmay remain constant for each press of the key. FIG. 11 illustrates apitch being initiated by a pitcher, while FIG. 12 illustrates thebaseball traveling through a batter's strike zone with the batterinitiating a swing of the bat. If the player initiates the swing at apredetermined time, the game embodiment may show contact of the bat withthe pitched ball and indicate a hit. Otherwise, the game may indicate amiss. As discussed above, the computer gaming embodiment may beprogrammed to use real world observed reactions times to compute apredetermined reaction window for the player, where the reaction windowcorresponds to times in which the initiation of the swing by the playermay result in a hit. When the player initiates a swing outside thepredetermined reaction window, the game may indicate a miss.

A player's reaction to the pitch may be measured and recorded. Accordingto an embodiment, the process of pitching a ball, allowing the user toreact to the pitch, and recording the user's reaction may be repeatedseveral times. In one embodiment, parameters of the game may bedisplayed on the screen 1200. The parameters may include the number ofhits 1201 and the number of strikes or misses 1203 during the currentgame play. Runs 1205 may be randomly assigned or based on the type ofpitch and the player's reaction. In the display of FIG. 12, thetimeliness of the pitch may be displayed 1209. For example, if theplayer initiated a swing too early, an early swing may be indicatedincluding how early the swing was initiated from the correct time.Similarly, if the swing was late, the display may indicate that theswing was initiated late and how late the swing was initiated. Thedisplay may also indicate a duration of game play 1211. As discussedfurther below, the duration and other statistics may be parameters thatare settable by the player.

According to an embodiment, during the repeated process of pitchingballs to the player and recording player reaction, the substantiallyconstant first field of view 1001 may be changed (e.g., the first coloror first intensity may be changed). In addition, the display of thepitch may be changed, which corresponds to a change in the secondstimulus. For example, the intensity of the display of the ball may bechanged, or the color of the ball may be changed, or both. In at leastone embodiment further described below, changes to the display of thefirst field or of the pitched ball may be performed in response tomeasured player reactions to the pitches.

Luminance Algorithm

In one embodiment, the luminance of the pitched ball may be modifiedbased on a luminance algorithm that tracks a running history of hits andmisses of the pitched ball during operation of the game. In thisembodiment, a hit or miss by the player may be recorded in a historybuffer (e.g., a data storage medium). The game may be programmed tocompute a rolling average of a parameter of the game based on playerreactions. For example, a rolling average may be computed based on thehits to misses ratio or hits to total pitches ratio. FIG. 13 illustratesa process flow for adjusting the luminance based on a rolling battingaverage (hits to misses). In block 1301, a ball may be pitched and thereaction of the player recorded. Block 1302 may determine whether theplayer initiated a swing. If the player swung at the ball, block 1303may determine whether the player hit or missed the ball. As discussedabove, this may depend on whether the player initiated a swing during apredetermined reaction window for the pitch. If swing was a hit, then ahit counter may be incremented 1304. If the swing was a miss, then amiss counter may be incremented 1305. Next, the game may be programmedto periodically track or calculate the rolling average 1306. If therolling average increases or decreases pass a threshold, luminance ofthe ball may be adjusted. For example, if the rolling average increasespast a threshold 1307, the luminance may be increased 1308. Similarly,if the rolling average of hits to misses decreases past a threshold1309, the luminance may be decreased 1310. Threshold values may beselected to provide a visually subtle change in the luminance.

It should be noted that one effect of changing the luminance is that theball may become more difficult or easier to see by the player. Thischange in luminance may alter or modify the player's visual processingprofile. As discussed above, the process of pitching the ball to theplayer against the first field and recording the player's reaction maybe repeated several times. In at least one embodiment, a computing maybe configured to launch one pitch after another until a particularduration of time or game play has expired. In at least one embodiment,the pitching may be repeated for about five to ten minutes, or forapproximately seven minutes. However, alternative lengths of time may beused within a particular system. It should be noted that in some fieldtests, a duration of seven minutes was found to be sufficient to alterthe user's visual processing profile. Thus, in at least one embodiment,the duration of game play may be limited to about seven minutes.

FIG. 13 further illustrates that if the player does not swing at theball 1302, then it may be further determined at block 1312, whether thepitch was a hittable pitch. If the ball was not hittable 1314, then thepitch may be removed from the count of the batting average. In thismanner, a player may not be penalized for foregoing a swing at anon-hittable ball. If the ball was hittable and the player did notswing, then the pitch may count as a miss 1305. Whether or not the ballis hittable may depend on further parameters discussed below.

In another embodiment, the program may adapt the game to a given user'svisual abilities by further tracking various aspects of the user's inputhistory. In one embodiment, the program may take into account three ormore consecutive failures of the user to swing at the pitches,particular hittable pitches, in determining the luminance or othervisual characteristic. In other embodiments, the program may take intoaccount consecutive early swings, consecutive late swings, and so forth,as part of the luminance determination.

FIG. 14 illustrates further parameters that may be used to adjust thedisplay of the pitched ball based on user reaction. In this embodiment,a batter handedness parameter 1401 may be used to designate whether thebatter is right handed or left handed. A selection of a right handedbatter may position the displayed player on the left side of home plate(from the view of the batter) and a selection of a left handed battermay position the displayed player on the right side of home plate.Another game parameter may be the handedness of the pitcher 1402. Righthanded and left handed pitcher selection may determine how the pitch islaunched from the pitcher to the batter.

Another parameter that may be set by the player is the time of day 1405.A day value or a night value may correspond to a constant fieldillumination and reflectance of light off the pitched ball. Nightsettings may simulate artificial field lights (e.g., lamps) while daysettings may simulate daylight.

Time of day settings showing a transition may include day-to-sunset,day-to-night, and afternoon-to-sunset. These settings may provide afield illumination, glare, and reflection of light off the ball thatchanges during the duration of game play. Accordingly, shadows on thefield may shift and move as well with one of the transition lightingsettings.

A ball seams parameter 1407 may be set to display the pitched ball as asolid spherical shape (solid) or a translucent shape having solidlydisplayed ball seams. This setting may be used to assist a player intracking the movement of a ball based on highlighting the body of theball or the ball seams.

FIG. 14 further illustrates that player level may be a selectableparameter 1409. According to one embodiment, the player level settingmay invoke an algorithm that affects the display of the ball based onwhich level is selected. In one embodiment, an aspect of the balldisplay that may be changed is luminance of the pitched ball.

When the player level is selected to be a beginner level, all ballspitched to the batter may be hittable. A beginner level may simply applythe luminance algorithm as described in FIG. 13 to all pitches, whereblock 1312 may not be realized since all balls pitched to the batter maybe hittable. A hittable ball may mean that the ball will be pitched toland within the strike zone of the player.

When the player level is selected to be intermediate, not every ball maybe pitched in a designated strike zone area of the batter. Asillustrated in FIG. 15, when the intermediate player level is selected,additional options for strike zone areas 1501 may be displayed to theplayer. At the intermediate level, the player may be allowed to selectone or more of the strike zones (e.g., up to 4 strike zones may beselected in the embodiment of FIG. 14). The selection of a strike zonearea may indicate that the user is interested in developing his swing orreaction to balls pitched to the selected strike zone area. In oneembodiment, the selection of a strike zone area may indicate that theplayer should only swing at or react to balls pitched to the selectedstrike zone area(s). In this case, not every pitch is deemed hittableand the moving average algorithm may be modified as described furtherbelow.

The algorithm for calculating the moving average and adjusting theluminance of the pitched ball may be modified to produce the outputsshown in the following table for an intermediate player level.

Intermediate Player Level Algorithm Table Pitch Affects DesignatedStrike Player Swings Luminance Zone Area at Ball Statistics No no no Noyes yes Yes no yes Yes yes yes

As shown in the intermediate algorithm table, when calculating themoving average, if the ball is pitched away from any selected strikezone area (i.e., the ball does not enter any player selected strike zonearea) and the player does not swing at the ball, then the moving averageis unaffected by that pitch. If the ball is pitched away from anyselected strike zone area and the player does swing at the ball, thenthe miss may be counted in calculating the moving average. The last tworows illustrate cases when the ball is pitched in the selected strikezone area. In these two cases, the moving average may be calculated asnormal. In other words, when the ball is in the designated strike zoneareas, a pitched ball will be counted in calculating the moving averagewhether or not the player initiates a swing. In this manner, the playermay be rewarded for recognizing balls pitched outside the designatedstrike zone areas when the player foregoes a swing.

FIG. 16 illustrates a process for implementing the intermediate playerlevel algorithm. A pitch may be initiated at block 1601. A block 1602may determine whether the pitch was made to a selected or designatedstrike zone area. If the pitch was made to the designated strike zone,then the luminance statistic may be affected. For example, in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, the players swing will be recorded asa hit or miss and the luminance may be adjusted accordingly. If the ballwas pitched outside any selected strike zone area, then block 1604 maydetermine whether the player initiated a swing. If the player did notswing at the ball pitched to a non-designated area, then the luminancestatistic may be unaltered 1605. If the player did swing at the ballpitched to a non-designated area, then the luminance statistic may beadjusted based on whether the swing was a hit or miss 1606.

When an advanced player level is selected, a designated/selected pitchtype parameter may be selectable in addition to selecting one or morestrike zones. FIG. 17 illustrates an advanced level configurationscreen. FIG. 17 illustrates several pitch types that may be selectedfrom a listing 1701, including slider, curveball, knuckleball, cutter,forkball, 4-seam fastball, 2-seam fastball, changeup, and splitfinger.The pitch type listings 1701 may be expanded or reduced depending on aparticular implementation. FIG. 17 illustrates that up to four differentpitch types may be selected. The selection of a pitch type may indicatethat pitches of that type may be selected for recognition by the batteror player. In this case, the player may aim to swing only at balls thatare of the selected pitch type(s) in addition to being pitched in theselected strike zone area(s).

The algorithm for calculating the moving average and adjusting theluminance of the pitched ball may be modified to produce the outputsshown in the table below for an advanced player level.

Advanced Player Level Algorithm Table Pitch Affects Designated StrikeDesignated Pitch Player Swings Luminance Zone Areas Type at BallStatistics no no no no no no yes yes no yes no no no yes yes yes yes nono no yes no yes yes yes yes no yes yes yes yes yes

As shown in the advanced algorithm table above, when calculating themoving average, if the ball is pitched away from any selected strikezone area or the pitch is not one of the selected pitches, then a swingby the player is counted in calculating the moving average only if theplayer swings at the pitch, otherwise, the pitch is not counted incalculating the moving average. In other words, at the advanced playerlevel, the player may be encouraged to recognize pitches that the playershould not swing at and when foregoing a swing at non-designatedpitches, the luminance is unaffected. As shown in the advanced algorithmtable above, when the pitch is made to a selected strike zone area andthe pitch type is one of the selected pitches, then the algorithm willalways count the pitch (swing or no swing) in calculating the movingbatting average.

The advanced player algorithm may be further described by the processillustrated in FIG. 18. A pitch may be initiated at block 1801. A block1802 may determine whether the pitch was made to a selected ordesignated strike zone area. If the pitch was made to the designatedstrike zone, then block 1803 may determine if the type of pitch was oneof the selected or designated pitches. If both the type of pitch andplacement of the pitch was designated, then the luminance algorithm mayoperate to count the swing as a hit or miss depending on the reaction ofthe player and the luminance may be adjusted as described in previousembodiments (e.g., based on thresholds). If the ball was pitched outsideany selected strike zone area, then block 1805 may determine whether theplayer initiated a swing. If the player did not swing at the ballpitched to a non-designated area, then the luminance statistic may beunaltered 1806. If the player did swing at the ball pitched to anon-designated area, then the luminance statistic may be adjusted basedon whether the swing was a hit or miss 1804. If the ball was not aselected pitched type, then block 1807 may determine whether the playerinitiated a swing. If the player did not swing at the non-designatedpitch, then the luminance statistic may be unaltered 1806. If the playerdid swing at the non-designated pitch, then the luminance statistic maybe adjusted based on whether the swing was a hit or miss 1804.

Other Embodiments

While a particular set of parameters for the baseball gaming embodimentis describe above, parameters may be changed and modified or newparameters added to the game embodiment while remaining within the scopeof the present disclosure. For example, in a virtual gaming environment,a physical ball may be launched or pitched towards a user where the ballincorporates an electronic display on its outer surface. An integratedball display embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 19. A display screen 1900may be formed on the surface of a spherical object 1901. The displayscreen 1900 may comprise a plurality of pixel elements 1902 that aredispersed on the surface of the display screen. In one embodiment, thepixel elements are light emitting diodes (LED) and may be adapted toemit or reflect light at a particular intensity or color. A processorand power supply may be coupled to the display screen to allow certainimages to be displayed on the surface of the spherical object. Forexample, in a baseball embodiment, the spherical object may be sized asa standard baseball with the display showing an image of a white surfaceand darker colored seams. Of course, other shapes and sizes may be useddepending on the particular implementation. For example, if the gameembodiment is applied to other sports, the object may be shaped and/orsized as a football, tennis ball, soccer ball, golf ball, or other pieceof sporting equipment. It is further noted that the processor may beprogrammed with certain algorithms similar to those discussed above. Inother words, the processor may make adjustments in the signals sent tothe display based on the performance and experience of the player, by,for example, making the ball harder to see as the player's performanceimproves.

FIG. 20 illustrates that the ball may be pitched to the user from ascreen representing a substantially constant first field of view at afirst color and first intensity. For example, a screen 2001 may bedisposed surrounding a mechanical ball launcher 2003 that launches theball display object 1901. The color and intensity of the screen may beadjusted based on light projection devices 2005, 2006 (either one orboth may be used). The ball display 1900 may be used to allow the ball1901 to illuminate or emit a certain color at a certain intensity,thereby representing a second stimulus within the substantially constantfirst field of view, where the ball 1901 is either a different colorfrom the first field of view 2001 and/or a different intensity from thefirst field of view 2001. The ball 1901 may be pitched in such a mannerthat its path remains within the first field of view. Alternatively, thescreen may be sized to ensure that any balls launched will remain withinthe first field of view of the screen 2001.

Similar to the gaming embodiment described above, the ball display 1900may also be adapted to change either its color or intensity duringsubsequent pitches in a game duration. Moreover, depending on theintended modification of a players visual processing profile, the ballappearance (e.g., color or intensity) may be modified during the flightof the ball 1901.

While a baseball game embodiment is described above, other gamingembodiments of the general invention may be used to modify a user'svisual processing profile for a particular activity or sport. Forexample, the same physical baseball gaming environment described abovemay be adapted for a game of American football. For example, in onefootball gaming environment, instead of physically launching a baseballsized object towards a player, a football size object having anintegrated display screen on its outer surface may be launched at aplayer. Similar to the virtual baseball gaming environment, the footballobject may be launched by a mechanical football launching device againsta first screen that is adapted to display a substantially constant firstfield of view at a first color and first intensity. The football displaymay be adapted to display a second visual stimulus within thesubstantially constant first field of view, where the ball is either adifferent color from the first field of view and/or a differentintensity from the first field of view. Similar to the baseballembodiment, both the display of the first field of view or the displayof the football may be adjusted (e.g., intensity or color with respectto each other).

What is claimed:
 1. A computer readable storage medium comprisinginstructions for altering a retino-geniculo-cortical pathway of a user,the instructions for: displaying a first view set, the first view setcomprising: a first field of view at a first color and a firstintensity; a first stimulus, positioned at least partly within the firstfield of view, at a second color and a second intensity, wherein thesecond color is different from the first color or the second intensityis different from the first intensity; allowing a period of time forreceiving a first input of the user responsive to the first view set;measuring a parameter of the first input of the user if the first inputof the user is received; determining a characteristic for a second viewset, the determining comprising: assessing whether the parameter of thefirst input of the user meets a first parameter criteria, wherein thefirst parameter criteria is not met if the first input of the user isnot received within the allowed period of time; modifying a first valueif the first parameter criteria is met; modifying a second value if thefirst parameter criteria is not met; calculating a first user ratingbased on the first value and the second value; comparing the first userrating to a user rating threshold; selecting the characteristic of thesecond view set based on the comparison of the first user rating to theuser rating threshold.
 2. The computer readable storage medium claim 1,further comprising a processor for executing the instructions, lightemitting diode display, and a power supply, wherein the computing systemis integrated into a piece of sporting equipment.
 3. The computerreadable storage medium of claim 1, the instructions further comprising:displaying the second view set after determining the characteristic forthe second view set, the second view set comprising: a second field ofview at a third color and a third intensity; a second stimulus,positioned at least partly within the second field of view, at a fourthcolor and a fourth intensity, wherein the fourth color is different fromthe third color or the fourth intensity is different from the thirdintensity; allowing a period of time for receiving a second input of theuser responsive to the second view set; measuring a parameter of thesecond input of the user if the second input of the user is received;determining a characteristic for a third view set, the determiningcomprising: assessing whether the parameter of the second input of theuser meets a second parameter criteria, wherein the second parametercriteria is not met if the second input of the user is not receivedwithin the allowed period of time; modifying the first value if thesecond parameter criteria is met; modifying the second value if thesecond parameter criteria is not met; calculating a second user ratingbased on the first value and the second value; comparing the second userrating to a second user rating threshold; selecting the characteristicof the third view set based on the comparison of the second user ratingto the second user rating threshold.
 4. The computer readable storagemedium of claim 1, wherein the characteristic of the second view set isselected from the group consisting of an intensity of a second stimulusof the second view set, a color of the second stimulus of the secondview set, a position of the second stimulus of the second view set, amotion of the second stimulus of the second view set, a timing of thesecond stimulus of the second view set, and a flicker rate of the secondstimulus of the second view set.
 5. The computer readable storage mediumof claim 1, wherein the first stimulus models a movement of an objecteither toward or away from the user.
 6. The computer readable storagemedium of claim 1, wherein the first color and the second color areselected based on a visual processing profile previously determined forthe user.
 7. The computer readable storage medium of claim 6, theinstructions further comprising comparing the user's visual processingprofile to a predetermined visual processing profile to determine avariance from the predetermined visual processing profile, and selectingthe first color and the second color based on the determined variance.8. The computer readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the firstcolor and the second color are selected based on a ratio of levels ofretinal ganglion function for a plurality of magnocellular cells and aplurality of non-magnocellular cells.
 9. The computer readable storagemedium of claim 1, further comprising repeating the instructions for apredetermined time period.
 10. The computer readable storage medium ofclaim 1, the instructions further comprising: selecting a position of asecond stimulus of the second view set based on the comparison of thefirst user rating to the user rating threshold.
 11. The computerreadable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the first view set is agraphical simulation of a physical activity.
 12. The computer readablestorage medium of claim 11, the instructions further comprising:displaying instructions for the user to perform the physical activitywithin a set period of time.
 13. The computer readable storage medium ofclaim 11, wherein the physical activity is baseball, the first field ofview models a portion of the perspective of a batter, the first stimulusmodels a movement of a pitched baseball, the parameter of the firstinput of the user is based at least in part on an input timing, thefirst parameter criteria is based at least in part on an input timing,the first value is a counter of hits, the second value is a counter ofmisses, and the first user rating is a batting average.
 14. The computerreadable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the first stimulus maymodel the movement of a pitched baseball that is within a designatedstrike zone area or not within a designated strike zone area.
 15. Thecomputer readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the first input ofthe user is not received within the allowed period of time, and thedetermining the characteristic for the second view set furthercomprises: assessing whether the first stimulus modeled the movement ofthe pitched baseball that is not within a designated strike zone area;wherein modifying the counter of misses does not occur if the movementof the pitched baseball is not within a designated strike zone area. 16.The computer readable storage medium of claim 13, the instructionsfurther comprising receiving a user selection of the designated strikezone area, prior to displaying the first view set.
 17. The computerreadable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the first view set furthercomprises modeling a pitcher, wherein the pitcher may be a right-handedpitcher or a left-handed pitcher, wherein the first stimulus models amovement of the baseball either toward or away from the user, andwherein the movement of the baseball is based on whether the pitcher isright-handed or left-handed.
 18. The computer readable storage medium ofclaim 13, wherein the movement of the pitched baseball models a pitchtype selected from the group consisting of a slider, a curveball, aknuckleball, a cutter, a forkball, a 4-seam fastball, a 2-seam fastball,a changeup, and a splitfinger.
 19. The computer readable storage mediumof claim 18, wherein the first input of the user is not received withinthe allowed period of time, and the determining the characteristic forthe second view set further comprises: assessing whether the firststimulus modeled the movement of a pitched baseball that does not matchthe selected pitch type; wherein modifying the counter of misses doesnot occur if the movement of the pitched baseball does not match theselected pitch type.
 20. The computer readable storage medium of claim18, the instructions further comprising receiving a user selection of apitch type, prior to displaying the first view set.